Temperature-controlled storage device, particularly a cooling and freezing container for blood products

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a storage device  1,  particularly a cooling and freezing device for blood products, and a method for monitoring a temperature-controlled storage device  1.  The temperature-controlled storage device  1  has at least one working capacity  23,  the temperature of which is controllable by at least one temperature control unit  25.  At least one temperature sensor  26   a - 26   e  is assigned to the working capacity  23,  and this sensor is coupled to a temperature monitoring controller. The temperature monitoring controller is able to be coupled at least intermittently with an analysis point via a preferably packet-based data communication system for the purpose of transmitting temperature measurement values.

The invention relates to a temperature-controlled storage device, particularly a cooling and freezing container for blood products, for use in a blood bank.

Many storage devices of such kind are known from the related art. Most of these are constructed in the form of cabinets, with a ceiling, a floor, and three side walls, wherein a door is attached to one wall in pivoting manner. A plurality of compartments may be provided inside the storage device, in which objects for storage, particularly blood bags, may be stored. For this purpose, the individual storage compartments may be able to be pulled out, and may be furnished with a grate-like partition. The temperature in such storage devices is controlled by a temperature control unit that cooperates with a temperature regulating sensor to regulate the temperature in storage device. In such cases, the temperature regulating sensor is usually arranged close to an evaporator.

For the purposes of this application, the term blood products is understood to refer particularly to blood bottles or plasma bags. Blood must be stored at a temperature of 4° C.±1.5° C. The eutectic point of blood plasma is −23° C. Accordingly, storage temperatures for blood plasma must be maintained in the range of −40° C.±10° C.

Standards for plasma storage facilities set governed by DIN 58375. For blood bottle cooling devices, DIN 58371 applies.

For the purposes of this application, the term “temperature control” refers not only to cooling or freezing, but also warming, and thus the establishment of a desired temperature in a the storage device.

The temperature is usually adjustable via a controller, which may be attached for example to one of the side walls or the ceiling. In more modern appliances, a microprocessor controller may also be provided, with which the temperature may be controlled. A storage device may have a display on one of its outside walls, for example, showing the temperature inside the storage device.

French standard NFX15-140, which applies to all types of cooling appliances and temperature diagnostic devices in such cooling appliances, specifies additional properties of such storage spaces. In the case of cooling appliances for products that contain blood, thus particularly blood bottles, the law stipulates that the temperature must be preset by the manufacturer, and it must not be capable of being changed by the operators of the storage device. This provision serves to ensure that the blood products can be stored in perfect condition for a prolonged period, usually up to a maximum of 33 days, and guarantee their storage life. In the case of freezers for blood plasma, operators are permitted to control the freezing temperature themselves. However, it must be ensured that a high temperature of about −27° C. is not exceeded.

In known storage devices for blood products, provisions are made for recording measured temperature values, so that it is possible to log whether the highest and/or lowest permitted temperatures have been exceeded even over prolonged periods. The recorded logs are inspected at regular or irregular intervals by duly appointed representatives of the state supervisory authorities.

Based on the known prior art, the underlying task of the invention is to demonstrate a temperature-controlled storage device, particularly a cooling or freezing device for blood products, that needs to be visited less often for inspection purposes, and a method for monitoring such a storage device.

The objective part of this task is solved by a storage device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the temperature-controlled storage device constitute the object of claims 2 to 13.

The temperature-controlled storage device according to the invention, which is particularly designed as a cooling and freezing device for blood products, comprises at least a working capacity, that is to say a temperature-controlled storage capacity. The temperature of the working capacity is controllable via at least one temperature controlling unit. In addition, at least one permanently installed temperature control sensor is assigned to the working capacity, which control sensor is coupled to a controller for monitoring the temperature. The controller for monitoring temperature is itself coupled to a control point via a preferably packet-based data communication system that transmits measurement values.

The controller for monitoring the temperature is designed so as to be separate from the control circuit for controlling the temperature of the working capacity and is arranged in addition to this control circuit inside the storage device.

The measured temperatures in the working capacity are transmitted to a control point in accordance with the invention. The measurement values may be transmitted unidirectionally or bidirectionally, that is to say the data is transmitted unilaterally from the temperature monitoring controller to the control point at specified, preprogrammed times, or the control point is capable of contacting the temperature monitoring controller at any time and retrieving the temperatures in the working capacities.

For this purpose, a temperature monitoring log may be created in the temperature monitoring controller and transmitted to the control point, wherein the temperature monitoring log may also contain statistical analyses (for example, arithmetical, geometrical, rolling or weighted averages, standard deviations, regression analyses, and so forth), of the measured temperature curves.

In this way, the storage device according to the invention may also be monitored remotely, with the result that it is not necessary to visit the storage device as often as was previously the case in order to monitor temperatures. This simplifies operation of the storage device and renders it less expensive.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the data communication system is a TCP/IP network. TCP/IP networks currently belong to the established state of the art, and have already been installed in the offices at the premises of most storage device operators. In most cases, these internal networks (also called intranets) are connected to the internet. Accordingly, the storage device may be easily connected to a network that has already been installed in the offices. By this means, the temperatures measured by the temperature monitoring controller may be transmitted with or without intermediate storage to a server at a control point.

Alternatively, it is conceivable to configure the data communication system as a digital mobile telephone network. Digital mobile telephone networks have now become so prevalent, particularly in industrialised countries, that a well developed infrastructure is already available at almost all locations, and may be used to (inexpensively) transmit measurement values. A further advantage consists in the transmitting devices have been miniaturised to such a degree that they may very easily be fitted in the storage device.

In this context, it is advantageous if measurement values are able to be transmitted to the control point particularly via a short message service (SMS) or multimedia messaging service (MMS). The measurement values may be represented digitally with a small number of symbols, so that they are able to be incorporated in the short messages.

In addition, a display unit, preferably a screen, may advantageously be coupled to the controller for temperature control. When the storage device is in operation, the temperature inside the storage device or in individual working capacities of the storage device may be displayed on the screen. It may also be possible to display temperature curves over time on the screen.

The screen may be a flat screen. Flat screens, particularly with thin film transistors, referred to as thin-film transistor screens or TFT screens, are currently available in various sizes and very inexpensively. They make it possible for the desired information to be displayed graphically, and it is also possible to use multicolor flat screens.

In a refinement of the storage device, the screen may also be a touch-sensitive screen. This makes it possible to make entries directly on the screen, so that, particularly for a blood plasma freezer, the temperature may be set simply by tapping on the screen.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, a number of working capacities may be specified, the temperatures of which may be controlled either by the temperature control unit or individually via their respective separate temperature control units. In this way, a plurality of zones may be defined inside the storage device, each being set at a different temperature, for example so that products such as blood bottles and blood plasma may be stored separately from each other and at different temperatures.

A loudspeaker is advantageously coupled to the temperature monitoring controller. The loudspeaker may serve to deliver temperature values or alarm signals audibly, alerting the operator of the storage device, or its staff with responsibility therefor, to the fact that a maximum or minimum permitted temperature has been exceeded.

The temperature sensors may also be attached so as to be detachable from objects that are to be stored in the working capacities, for example by adhesion. This enables the temperature to be measured directly on the stored object.

It is further provided that the temperature sensors may be fitted retroactively and/or replaceably in a working capacity. In this way, the storage device may also be retrofitted with a temperature monitoring device according to the invention. If the temperature monitoring device should fail or be damaged, it may be replaced with a new one at no great cost.

Brief temperature fluctuations in the storage device may occur as a result of opening the storage device, for example when items for storage are place inside or removed. To prevent such fluctuations from distorting the temperature measurement results, a locking device may be provided on the storage device that may be activated by the temperature monitoring control unit and prevents the storage device from being opened, for example by having the door opened, while temperature measurement is taking place. Alternatively or additionally, a means may also be provided for providing corresponding notification on the screen or on some other display unit when the temperature is being measured. It is further conceivable to equip the storage device with an opening sensor, which determined whether, for example, the door of the storage device has been opened. This information might be stored together with the temperature measurement values, and may be transmitted to the control point as necessary. In this way, temperatures that have been recorded while the storage device was open, and shortly after the storage device was open, may be excluded from an evaluation in targeted manner.

The method-related part of the task is solved by a method for monitoring a temperature-controlled storage device comprising the steps described in claim 14. These steps in detail are:

-   -   (a) Recording the temperature in at least one working capacity         of the storage device with at least one temperature sensor as a         measurement value;     -   (b) Periodic retrieval of the measurement values of the at least         one temperature sensor by a temperature monitoring controller;         and     -   (c) Transmission of the retrieved measurement values to a         control point via a data communication system.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the retrieved measurement values are buffered in a memory unit of the temperature monitoring controller. This serves to reduce the frequency with which data is transmitted to the control point.

Means are further provided that enable the retrieved or buffered measurement values to be aggregated. This enables the volume of a data transmission to the control point to be reduced. When measurement values are aggregated, maximum values, minimum values and/or weighted values for a measurement period may be determined.

The retrieved or buffered measurement values may be transmitted to the control point by the temperature monitoring controller at preprogrammed times. This mode of data communication is also called unidirectional data communication. Or the retrieved or buffered measurement values may also be queried from the control point (also referred to as bidirectional data communication).

The invention will be explained in greater detail in the following with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures. In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the storage device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the storage device according to the invention of FIG. 1 with the door open;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a drawer compartment;

FIG. 4 shows a temperature sensor in a holder;

FIG. 5 shows an adhesive temperature sensor; and

FIG. 6 shows a storage device having two working capacities.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a storage device 1, particularly a cooling, refrigeration or freezing device for storing blood products, according to the invention. Storage device 1 is constructed in the form of a cabinet and has a ceiling 2, a base 3, a left sidewall 4, a right sidewall 5, and a rear wall, which is not further shown. A door 7 is attached pivotably to right sidewall 5 via a hinge 6. Storage device 1 is equipped with a locking unit 8, on the left side in the image plane, with which door 7 may be locked to left sidewall 4 either manually or as controlled via a temperature monitoring controller 9. Locking unit 8 has a handle 10 in the form of a lever and projecting upwards, and a lock 11, by means of which it is possible to lock storage device 1. Door 7 is furnished with a cutout 12, in which a glass pane 13 is arranged to allow observers to look inside storage device 1. Temperature monitoring controller 9 is provided in the upper section of door 7. Temperature monitoring controller 9 includes a display unit 14 and a plurality of buttons 15 for operating temperature monitoring controller 9. Display unit 14 displays the temperature inside storage device 1. It may also be used to display whether a temperature measurement is currently being taken. A lock 16 is also provided on temperature monitoring controller 9 to prevent the operating parameters from being distorted inadvertently. Alternatively, it is conceivable to secure the temperature monitoring controller against unauthorised changes to the settings by entering a number sequence of key combination instead of securing it with the lock.

A plurality of retractable drawers 20 are arranged inside storage device 1 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Each of these drawers 20 is furnished on the front side 21 thereof with two handles 22, arranged at a distance from one another. A plastic, grate-like insert 30 is provided inside each drawer 20, and defines a total of twelve storage compartments 31, on which blood products 32 are stored in bags 33. The entire inside of storage device 1 defines a working capacity 23. In order to ensure that the temperature is uniform throughout working capacity 23, base 34 of each drawer 20 is constructed as a perforated panel, in other words the base is furnished with regularly spaced holes or perforations 35 through which air may flow.

The individual drawers 20 are arranged in a rack 24 so that they may be withdrawn. A temperature control unit 25 for controlling the temperature of working capacity 23 is housed in the upper part of rack 24. A plurality of temperature sensors 26 a-26 e is provided in working capacity 23. Four of these are attached in the ceiling area, four in the base area, and one temperature sensor 26 e is attached to a base 34 of a drawer 20 in the centre of working capacity 23. Retaining devices 40 are provide for affixing temperature sensors 26 a-26 e. Temperature sensors 26 a-26 e are coupled with temperature monitoring controller 9 via wire connections 41, see also FIG. 4. Alternatively, a wireless connection, for example via a radio link, is also conceivable.

Temperature monitoring controller 9 is coupled to a data communication system 18 (see FIG. 1). Data communication system 18 is a packet-based data communication system 18, particularly a TCP/IP network. For this purpose, temperature monitoring controller 9 is equipped with a port 17 for a network cable 19. Alternatively, a port for connecting temperature monitoring controller 9 wirelessly to data communication system 18, for example via a radio connection (WLAN), is also possible. Temperature monitoring controller 9 is designed as a microcomputer, which is connected to other network components 19 a of data communication system 18 via network cable 19. It is also conceivable that temperature monitoring controller 9 may be equipped with a transmitting device for a digital mobile telephone network. This would enable measurement values and other information to be compressed and send across the mobile telephone network in the form of “short message service” communications. In this way, temperature measurement values may be transmitted from temperature monitoring controller 9 to an analysis point 19 b via data communication system 18.

Display unit 14 is a screen that is coupled to temperature monitoring controller 9. In this case, screen 14 is designed in the form of a high-resolution flat screen that is capable of reproducing information in colour. Since screen 14 is also touch-sensitive, the temperatures in storage device 1 may be set, and other inputs made, on this screen. However, this is not possible if storage device 1 is used as a cooler for blood-containing products 32, that is to say particularly blood bottles, because then the temperature is preset by the manufacturer and cannot be altered by the operator.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a preferred alternative embodiment of temperature-controlled storage device 60. The same features are identified using the same reference numbers in this figure.

Storage device 60 includes two working capacities 61, 62, the temperatures of which are separately controllable via temperature control unit 25. A loudspeaker 63 is also connected to temperature monitoring controller 9, and may be used to emit audible alarm signals.

It is provided to secure a temperature sensor 50 detachably to an object that is to be stored in one of the working capacities 61, 62. For this purpose, temperature sensor 50 may have an adhesive surface 51, which adheres well to the stored object at all possible operating temperatures. Sockets 52 are provided inside storage device 60, into which a plug 54 coupled to temperature sensor 50 via a wire connection 53 may be inserted. Sockets 54 are also connected to temperature monitoring controller 9.

Retaining devices 40 are arranged on base 3, ceiling 2, and on base 34 of a drawer 20 in working capacity 23, 60, 61 in such manner that temperature sensors 26 a-26 e may also be retrofitted or replaced at a later time.

With the storage device 1, 60, it is possible to safely store objects, particularly blood products 32, for prolonged periods without the need to carry out on-site inspections. In order to monitor the storage conditions, the temperature in the working capacity 23, 61, 62 is recorded with at least one temperature sensor 26 a-26 e, 50. For this purpose, temperature sensor 26 a-26 e, 50 is interrogated periodically by temperature monitoring controller 9 so that temperature values may be recorded. The temperature values are then buffered in temperature monitoring controller 9 or sent thereby directly to a central analysis point 19 b. Additionally the measured values may be aggregated in temperature monitoring controller 9 so as to reduce the number of measurement values that are sent to analysis point 19 b. The measurement values are periodically sent to analysis point 19 b via a preferably packet-based data communication system 18. Maximum values, minimum values, and averages for a measurement period are determined as part of the aggregation procedure.

LEGEND

-   1—Storage device -   2—Cover -   3—Floor -   4—left sidewall -   5—right sidewall -   6—Hinge -   7—Door -   8—Locking unit -   9—Temperature monitoring controller -   10—Handle -   11—Lock -   12—Cutout -   13—Glass pane -   14—Display unit -   15—Button -   16—Lock -   17—Port -   18—Data communication network -   19—Network cable -   19 a—Network component -   19 b—Analysis point -   20—Drawer -   21—Front side of 20 -   22—Handle -   23—Working capacity -   24—Rack -   25—Temperature control unit -   26 a—Temperature sensor -   26 b—Temperature sensor -   26 c—Temperature sensor -   26 d—Temperature sensor -   26 e—Temperature sensor -   30—Insert -   31—Storage compartment -   32—blood-containing product -   33—Bag -   34—Base -   35—Perforations -   40—Retaining device -   41—Wire connection -   50—Temperature sensor -   51—adhesive surface of 50 -   52—Socket -   53—Wire connection -   54—Plug -   60—Storage device -   61—Working capacity -   62—Working capacity -   63—Loudspeaker 

1. A storage device, particularly a cooling and freezing device for storage of blood products (32), having at least one working capacity (23, 61, 62), the temperature of which is controllable by at least one temperature control unit (25), wherein at least one temperature sensor (26 a-26 e) is assigned to the working capacity (23, 61, 62), which sensor is coupled to a temperature monitoring controller (9), and wherein the temperature monitoring controller (9) is able to be coupled at least intermittently with an analysis point (19 b) via a data communication system (18) for the purpose of transmitting temperature measurement values.
 2. The storage device as recited in claim 1, characterized in that the temperature measurement values can be programmed for transmission from the temperature monitoring controller (9) to the analysis point (19 b) at specified time intervals.
 3. The storage device as recited in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the temperature measurement values can be requested by the analysis point (19 b).
 4. The storage device as recited in claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the data communication system (18) is a TCP/IP network.
 5. The storage device as recited in claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the data communication system (18) is a digital mobile telephone network.
 6. The storage device as recited in claim 5, characterized in that the measurement values can be transmitted to the analysis point (19 b) via a short message service (SMS, MMS).
 7. The storage device as recited any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a display unit (14), preferably a screen, is coupled to the temperature monitoring controller (9).
 8. The storage device as recited claim 7, characterized in that the screen (14) is a flat screen.
 9. The storage device as recited claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the screen (14) is touch-sensitive.
 10. The storage device as recited any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of working capacities (61, 62) are provided, the temperatures of which can be controlled by one temperature control unit (25).
 11. The storage device as recited any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a loudspeaker (63) is coupled to the temperature monitoring controller (9).
 12. The storage device as recited any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature sensor (50) is secured detachably to an item to be stored in the working capacity (61, 62).
 13. The storage device as recited any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature sensor (26 a-26 e, 50) can be allocated to the working capacity such that is it able to be retrofitted and/or replaced.
 14. A method for monitoring a temperature-controlled storage device (1, 60) comprising the following steps (a) Recording the temperature in at least one working capacity (23, 61, 62) of the storage device (1, 60) with at least one temperature-sensor (26 a-26 e, 50) as a measurement value; (b) Periodic retrieval of the measurement values of the at least one temperature sensor (26 a-26 e, 50) by a temperature monitoring controller (9); and (c) Transmission of the at least one retrieved measurement value to an analysis point (19 b) via a data communication system.
 15. The method as recited in claim 14, characterized in that the retrieved measurement values are buffered in a memory unit of the temperature monitoring controller (9).
 16. The method as recited in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the retrieved or buffered measurement values are aggregated.
 17. The method as recited in claim 16, characterized in that when the measurement values are aggregated, maximum values, minimum values and/or averages for a measurement period are determined.
 18. The method as recited in claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the retrieved or buffered measurement values are transmitted to the analysis point (19 b) by the temperature monitoring controller (9) at preprogrammed times.
 19. The method as recited in claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the retrieved or buffered measurement values are called by the analysis point (19 b). 